counterpoint

noun/ˈkaʊntərˌpɔɪnt/

Frequency rank: #11,574 most common English word

Meaning

a technique in music where two or more independent melodies are played simultaneously in harmony; more broadly, something that contrasts with or complements another thing.

Illustration for the English word “counterpoint”

Example sentence

The composer used counterpoint to weave two melodies together so that each enhanced the other.

Synonyms & related words

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